What better way to raise awareness and funds for diabetes research than to throw oneself out of a perfectly functioning airplane? That is what adrenaline junkie, Richard Simenc, 39, thought one night after checking his glucose levels for the sixth time that day. Simenc is a type-1 diabetic, and has been managing the disease for 26 years.
Jump for Diabetes is an annual skydiving event to raise funds for diabetes research and help find a cure. The event, founded by Simenc, aims to provide a fun atmosphere for family and friends while raising awareness of this disease and promoting a cause. Nearly 21 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes; and almost one third of those people are unaware that they have the disease. Last year, more than 300 jumpers and 140 tandem skydivers participated.
The 2nd Annual Jump for Diabetes will be held at Skydive Pennsylvania from August 13-15. This year, event coordinator Ashley Mead, 26, has high hopes for the event.
"This community is incredible and so many jumpers and manufacturers have stepped up to the plate to make this a successful event," Mead said, "with a team of 10 sponsored jumpers - those who have worked hard to get pledges for each skydive them make during the event - and opportunities like the PD canopy raffle, we're hoping to raise $20,000 for the cause this year!"
But, as Mead and Simenc are finding out, not everyone agrees that jumping out of an airplane is a good way to raise awareness. Since skydiving is perceived as a high-risk sport, a lot of companies and organizations have a hard time signing on to support the event for liability reasons.
Mead says: "We've had a rough time this year with non-skydiving organizations misunderstanding the sport. Sure, it's perceived as highly dangerous and no company wants an injury or death associated with their brand. However, this is preceisely why we're taking the step to become our own non-profit. Extreme sports supporting an extreme cause."
For more information on how to get involved, or to make a donation, email jumpfordiabetes@gmail.com.
Comments
Do proceeds benefit JDRF or DRWF?
All proceeds go to the American Diabetes Association and earmarked specifically for research.. Thanks Mike!
It's really too bad that select individuals would trash talk such a good cause!!!
All proceeds of both events went to the American Diabetes Association*. I think both responses to this thread where of people that were just spiteful individuals. Only because they were not included to help in the event..
The inaugural event in 2009 only produced approximately $2000. but went to good use at the ADA*. The 2010 2nd Annual Jump for Diabetes was in fact, A great success!! Raising nearly $10,000 that was donated and earmarked for research to the ADA..
Thank you to ALL who help make the event such a success!!
Our love and appreciation go out to the coordinators and ALL who helped make Jump for Diabetes such a grand success!!
BLUE SKIES!!!!!!
Blue Skies:)
In response to your "SPITEFUL INDIVIDUALS" comment to the posts that were removed, the words "spiteful individuals" because "they weren't included to help in the event" is way far from the truth. I'm 200% certain it wasn't the cause that was being trashed. But please, don't take my word for it, you'll figure it out in time. I think it's an excellent cause, but I'd rather mail my donation directly to JDRF.
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